Northern Wisconsin Adventure
3 Days of Lakes, Forests & History
Itinerary Summary
This three-day itinerary in northern Wisconsin spotlights an unspoiled land of dense forests, hundreds of lakes and small towns between the Mississippi River and Lake Superior. Highlights include attractions that honor our veterans and chronicle the area’s colorful fur trade, logging and mining history.
Day 1 – Explore Eau Claire
Begin your journey in Eau Claire with a visit to Carson Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful morning walk amidst lush greenery and scenic views of Half Moon Lake. This historical park also features a charming museum and the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp.
Head to Chippewa Falls for a guided tour of the Cook-Rutledge Mansion one of the finest examples of High Victorian Italianate architecture in Wisconsin.
Day 2 – Discover Chippewa County
This morning take a tour of our historic brewery in Chippewa Falls and let one of our guides introduce you to 156 years of beer brewing and six generations of Leinenkugel family history. All tours start at the Leinie Lodge, which is filled with historical photos, vintage brewing equipment, and plenty of Leinie’s wearables and collectibles to take home. Come relax with friends and family, sample our award-winning beers and get the full flavor of all things Leinenkugel’s.
Make your way to Spooner and visit the fascinating Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum. Discover the rich history of canoe building and view an impressive collection of handcrafted canoes. The Spooner Fish Hatchery, Governor Tommy G. Thompson Hatchery, is the largest hatchery of its kind in the world; it is operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The facility annually produces walleye, musky and white sucker. You can see the hatchery incubation process from the viewing room, learn how to tell the age of a fish and what lures to use to catch one, and much more.
Day 3 – Unwind in Washburn County
This morning we will head north to the Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland. This educational center offers interactive exhibits, stunning views of Lake Superior, and information on the region’s natural and cultural history. Explore one of the Apostle Islands, Madeline Island with a leisure ferry ride to the island on the Madeline Island Ferry.
Upon arrival, a guide will take you around the island with a stop at Big Bay State Park, to tip your toes in Lake Superior. Afterwards explore the Madeline Island Museum, which showcases the island’s intriguing past, from Native American history to European settlement.
Tonight enjoy a show at Big Top Chautauqua which presents over 60 concerts, shows, and events June through September in an intimate 900-seat all-“canvas” tent, including international headliners, regional talent, and original productions. This unique summer venue is located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay just outside of Bayfield, Wisconsin, perched on the shores of Lake Superior.
Day 4
As you begin heading back , your final stop is a visit to the Richard Bong Center in Kansasville, WI. This aviation museum honors the legacy of Major Richard Bong, America’s top fighter ace in World War II. Explore exhibits that highlight his remarkable achievements and the broader history of aviation.
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